In my last blog, I described our journey to homeschooling, and how we discovered Charlotte Mason. Today I want to tell you what that looks like for us. My kids are still in elementary, and I still consider us homeschool novices, but one thing I’ve learned thus far in our journey is that the homeschool journey is like a river, constantly changing, ebbing and flowing with the tides and seasons. This river in constant motion can throw even the most seasoned, “expert” homeschool families for an unexpected loop. Embracing the changes helps to keep the course.
Kids are naturally curious. This curiosity is the gateway to learning. The wise teacher leans into this. I like to picture Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus. To the untrained eye, it appears that the students are running the show, but look carefully, and what do you notice? Ms. Frizzle had carefully crafted her questions and statements to lead the students in the direction she wanted them to go. Ultimately, they discovered and learned the concept Ms. Frizzle had planned for them before class even started. And the learning happened in such an authentic way that there was no doubt the students understood the concept. They could confidently recreate and explain it. This is what I strive for. Genuine, authentic, true learning.
Now, I’m not suggesting that we find a magic bus that can grow, shrink, or transform. But we can create authentic learning opportunities for our children here, in our homes and schools. It takes careful planning, skill, and a wise and patient teacher. (I’m still working on this! I probably always will be.)
Last term, my 8 year old read A Drop of Water by Walter Wick. This is such a neat book. It teaches you everything you ever wanted to know about water and the water cycle, while guiding you through hands on experiments that can be done in your kitchen with basic supplies. We had so much fun reading a few paragraphs about condensation, then watching condensation form on a glass. When it was foggy the next morning, she noticed the condensation on the window while eating breakfast. A real life, real world application was made from yesterday’s reading. She understood a new aspect of water. The next week, we read about surface tension and how it works. Then we learned to defy surface tension by floating a pin in a bowl of water. (If you haven’t tried this, you should.) Every time the pin fell, it was a chance to explain surface tension again. When she finally got the pin to float, there were happy squeals, along with a new understanding of how surface tension works. She was able to compare her failings to her success and see the forces at work. The next time we passed a boat floating on a river, she commented about the boat breaking the surface tension, and another connection was made, along with opportunities to discuss buoyancy. Natural curiosity, fueled by patient and wise teachers, leads to effective and authentic learning.
But what does that look like, when you have a book list and lesson plans to complete? Great question. For my family, it means leaving margin. My children need time and freedom to find their curiosities, and to explore them. This generally occurs outside of our scheduled school routine. During our school routine, I ask questions that spark them to discover more, or give a hint, a preview, a delicious appetizer of what they will be reading about today. Their job becomes uncovering and devouring the material to discover the rest of the hidden information.
Books are our teachers. I guide. I direct. I help. But the books are the true teachers. We follow the Ambleside Online schedule, which means reading the books slowly, over the course of twelve weeks, or longer in some cases. Reading the books at a slow, gradual pace allows room for them to meditate upon the ideas in the book. When they can think about, ruminate, mull over the ideas presented to them, they can better understand and relate that information to the world around them. Giving them time with characters, stories, and ideas is much like seeping a tea bag. The longer you let it seep, the stronger the tea. It’s always fun to listen as the kids connect different ideas or experiences with something from their school books.
Currently, my 8 year old is reading A Ray of Light, by Walter Wick. The ideas are complex and difficult for her to explain, so she will draw a picture of the concept. When I ask her about her picture, she’s able to explain the concept and summarize the chapter perfectly. It takes a few extra minutes and some crayons for the ideas to ruminate and come together in her mind, but when they do, it’s beautiful to watch. She examines sun beams closer now, and notices reflections where she wouldn’t have before. Sitting with ideas, taking books slowly, allows for greater connection between ideas. Connections lead to authentic learning. The stronger the connections, the more curiosity and wonder follow. The greater a child’s sense of wonder and curiosity, the more they desire to engage with the world around them. Engagement leads to learning. Authentic learning.